Top EU lawmaker proposes pause on U.S. trade deal ratification, citing ‘pure tariff chaos’ from Trump administration

Fortune

by The Associated Press

February 22, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The European Union is considering a pause in the ratification of its trade deal with the United States due to growing confusion over U.S. tariff policies under President Donald Trump. Bernd Lange, a top EU lawmaker, has proposed halting the process, citing "pure tariff chaos" from the Trump administration. This decision comes after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down some of Trump's sweeping tariffs, and his announcement of a potential global 15% tariff rate added further uncertainty to trans-Atlantic trade relations. The EU-U.S. trade deal, agreed upon in 2024, imposes a 15% import tax on 70% of European goods exported to the U.S., including pharmaceuticals, cars, and wines. The deal was intended to ensure fair and balanced trade, as outlined in the EU-U.S. Joint Statement of August 2025. However, the unpredictability of Trump's tariff policies has created a challenging environment for both parties. The European Commission has emphasized the importance of maintaining commitments to the agreed-upon terms, warning that any deviation could harm the mutual benefits of the deal. The $1.7 trillion euros ($2 trillion) in annual trade between the EU and U.S., averaging 4.6 billion euros daily, underscores the significance of this relationship for both economies. The EU has also highlighted its ability to retaliate through its Anti-Coercion Instrument, which allows for measures such as restricting imports, blocking public tenders, or limiting foreign investment. In extreme cases, these actions could effectively close off U.S. companies from the EU's 450-million customer market, causing significant economic losses. The proposed pause on ratification reflects the growing frustration within the EU over the Trump administration's trade policies. The situation highlights the delicate balance of global trade and the potential for widespread disruption when key trading partners fail to uphold agreed terms. For businesses and investors, this uncertainty creates a challenging environment, as unpredictable tariffs can undermine market stability and disrupt international supply chains. Ultimately, the decision to pause the ratification process signals the EU's determination to protect its interests and maintain fair trade practices. As tensions rise

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/22/2026